May Day 5k

Your future

Employment opportunities for speech-language pathologists and audiologists are good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2012-22 there will be a 19% growth
rate in job openings for speech pathologists and a 34% growth rate in job openings
for audiologists.

“I got to see the good and the bad of a career in speech-language pathology. I got
to see the hard parts along with the happy parts, and I took away the importance of
speech pathology and the positive impact it can have on people’s lives.”

Speech

Speech language pathologists work with people of all ages who have disorders in speech,
language, social communication, cognitive communication and swallowing. Audiologists
diagnose and treat a patient’s hearing and balance problems using advanced technology
and procedures. Bluffton's Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Program provides
a firm foundation for your future career.

The profession allows you to work with people throughout their lifespan, from birth
to end of life, in a variety of settings. It is so much more than helping improve
a child’s “r” and “s” sounds and decrease stuttering.

EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREEWhile a Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology degree is not required, it is a recommended.

COMPLETE A MASTER'S DEGREE FROM AN ACCREDITED UNIVERSITYYou will be supported in your choice of coursework, clinical experience and other
activities that will increase your competitiveness for graduate school.

GAIN PRACTICUM EXPERIENCERequired coursework at Bluffton will include clinical practice and observation.

EARN AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION CREDENTIAL

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGYSpeech-language pathologists (SLP) work with people of all ages with disorders in
speech, language, social communication, cognitive communication and swallowing. Speech-language
pathologists work in schools, hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, and in home health.

AUDIOLOGISTSAn audiologist is someone who diagnoses and treats a patient’s hearing and balance
problems using advanced technology and procedures. The majority of audiologists work
in health care facilities, such as hospitals, physicians’ offices and audiology clinics.
Some also work in schools.